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WORKERS TOGETHER
Monthly Newsletter of the LCMS Kansas District | www.kslcms.org
NOVEMBER 2019
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
— Col 3:23 —
Our annual church worker conferences were held last month at Bethany Lutheran Church and School in Overland Park, giving many of our “workers for the Lord” (including teacher Sarah Kuske, pictured above in her classroom) an opportunity to learn, teach, worship, network, and celebrate. THANK YOU to everyone who made the trip, with special thanks to the conference planning committees, presenters, and Bethany staff. The 2020 conferences will be held in Junction City, with the Pastors Conference October 4–6 and Educators Conference October 11–13.
In This Issue President’s Office
• Calls and Vacancies • Installations at Worker Conferences • Special Guests Visit Board of Directors Meeting • 2020 Pre-Lent Conference • Prayer Requests • District Calendar • November Staff Travel Schedule
Missions & Stewardship • News from West Africa: CLET Students
Complete Studies • Narrative Budget Guide Now Available • Mission Festival in Canton • Congregational Commitments: Your Gifts at
Work • Life Ministry News: District Life Conference;
“Reverse the Ruling” Petition Drive
Education & Youth • THIS MONTH: Kansas District Youth Gathering • Junior High Rallies Highlights • 2020 Higher Things Conferences
Caring Ministry
• LERT News • Older Adult Ministry Webinars
Business Office
• Concordia Plan Services Open Enrollment • 2019 Year-End Checklist Available • Lutheran Witness Billings
LCEF
• Note from the District Vice President • Featured Program: PartnerPlus
Around the District
• Worker Installations • Workers Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries • Scholarship Opportunity at Concordia University
Irvine • U.S. Census Jobs Available • Quilts from Kansas
OUR MISSION is to support and encourage the members of the District in carrying out the mission Christ has given His Church.
President’s Office Calls and Vacancies PASTORAL CALLS
• Rev. Rocky Mease (IIM) to Prince of Peace, Topeka – accepted • Rev. Seth Meyer – Holy Cross, Goehner, NE to Trinity, Winfield – accepted • Rev. Andrew Wehling – Grace, Liberal to First Lutheran, Ponca City, OK – pending • Rev. Ben Vineyard – Trinity, Mission and Shawnee to Calvary, Lincoln, NE – pending • Rev. Christopher Nitzel – St. Paul, Hartley, IA to St. Paul, Cheney – declined • Rev. Ryan Wendt – Christ the King, Billings, MT to Hope, Shawnee – declined
PENDING ORDINATIONS AND/OR INSTALLATIONS – PASTORS
• Rev. Rocky Mease – Prince of Peace, Topeka, December 21 and 22 • Rev. Seth Meyer – Trinity, Winfield, January 12 (tentative)
CONGREGATIONS CALLING OR PREPARING TO CALL A FULL-TIME PASTOR
• Atchison, Trinity • Cheney, St. Paul • Clay Center, St. Paul • Elkhart, Christ • Ellsworth, St. Paul • Erie, Good Shepherd and Hepler, Immanuel • Lawrence, Immanuel • Palmer, St. John • Shawnee, Hope • Topeka, Christ • Topeka, Faith • TIG Partnership (Trinity, Garden City; Immanuel, Lakin and Grace, Ulysses) • Wichita, Ascension • Wichita, Bethany • Wichita, Immanuel • Wichita, St. Andrews
CONGREGATIONS CALLING A COMMISSIONED MINISTER • Trinity, Atchison – Principal • Bethany, Overland Park – Teacher • Trinity, Winfield – Principal
COMMISSIONED MINISTER CALLS – from the field • DCE Charity Smith – St. Luke, Manhattan to Tallmadge Lutheran, Tallmadge, OH – declined • Teacher Sarah (Sally) Niemann – colloquy candidate, CUNE to St. Paul, Leavenworth – accepted, installation
November 17
Index
For weekly call updates, visit the Calls and Vacancies page of the Kansas District website. The list is updated every Tuesday (typically by 10 a.m.).
Installations at Worker Conferences
On October 9, LCMS Sixth Vice-President Rev. Benjamin Ball (above, left) conducted a public installation of Kansas District President Justin Panzer at the joint worship service of the Pastors and Educators Conferences at Bethany, Overland Park. President Panzer then installed Rev. Alan Stahlecker (St. John, Lincolnville, right) as Region 2 vice-president.
Index
Special Guests Visit Board of Directors Meeting The Kansas District Board of Directors met November 1–2 and heard presentations from two special guests. Tom Perry (Trinity, Mission and Shawnee; right), chair of the Older Adult Ministry Task Force, presented a comprehensive report from the group that identifies needs, resources, and recommendations for strengthening Older Adult Ministry in the District. Among the recommendations: Elevating the importance of Older Adult Ministry in the Kansas District and implementing strategies with church workers and congregations.
The board then heard from Rev. Max Phillips (left), executive director of Lutheran Family Service (LFS) of Iowa and pastor of Christ, Bouton (IA) and Zion, Ogden (IA). LFS, which started in 1901 as an orphanage, offers pregnancy counseling, adoption services, mental health and marriage counseling, and life advocacy. In his presentation, Phillips described the work of LFS, touching on topics including embryo adoption, church worker mental health, the Marital First Responders program (which equips others to help couples in stressed marriages), and support for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Index
2020 Pre-Lent Conference
The annual Kansas District Pre-Lent Conference will be held January 27–29 at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita; circuit visitors will meet January 26–27. The speaker for the conference is the Rev. Dr. David Scaer, professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, who will focus on the Sermon on the Mount. The regular registration deadline is December 20, 2019. A link to the registration form will be available on the homepage of the Kansas District website by Monday, November 18.
Index
Prayer List
This month, we ask that you keep in your prayers:
Those grieving the loss of loved ones, including
o Family and friends of Rev. Stanley Ostgren, former Kansas District pastor, at his death October 27
o Rev. Charlie and Laura Adams (Faith, Ottawa) and family at the death of Laura’s father, Dale Vogt Sr., October 22
o Rev. Steve Wipperman and family (Peace, Andover) at the death of his father, Al Wipperman, October 26
o Rev. Aaron Wagner and family (Christ the King, Salina) at the death of Rev. William Meyer Schultz, Pr. Wagner’s grandfather and former pastor of St. John, Oberlin, at his death October 14
o Kristen Willingham (Redeemer, Olathe) and family at the death of her father, Rev. Allen Henderson, in Iowa Oct. 2
o Pr. Michael Hageman and family (Trinity, Garden City) at the death of his grandmother, Marie Heckel, Sept. 28
o Mark Wolters (Board of Directors, Atwood) and family, at the death of his mother, Dorothy Wolters, Sept. 24
o Rev. Dave and Sherry Meier (St. Paul, Junction City), at the death of Sherry’s father, Rev. Merle Lietz (former BOD member), Sept. 12
o Family and friends of the Rev. Earl Zimmerman, pastor emeritus of Faith, Ottawa, at his death Sept. 5
Those dealing with ongoing and new health issues, including Rev. Jason Boetcher, Rev. Dave Meier, Judy May, Rev. Mike Bingenheimer, Rev. Rick Rostek, Vera Hall (Rev. Rostek’s mother-in-law), Eva Fenker, Kerri Lynne Brown, Sarah Reichert, Dave Willingham, Richard Schotte, Rev. Bryan Drebes, and Noah Schultz
Churches and schools on our Facebook prayer list in November: o Holy Cross, Wichita (church, elementary, and preschool), this week o Calvary, Wellington, Nov. 11 o Grace, McPherson, Nov. 18 o St. John, Lincoln, Nov. 25
If you’d like to request prayers, contact Tami Lierz in the President’s Office at [email protected].
Index
District Calendar (For the full calendar, click HERE.)
NOVEMBER Nov. 1–2: Kansas District Board of Directors Meeting, District Office Nov. 4: Youth Ministry Task Force GoToMeeting, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Nov. 5: Church Planting Committee GoToMeeting, 11 a.m.–noon Nov. 11: Church Worker Conference Planning Meetings, District Office, 10 a.m. –2 p.m. Nov. 14–16: LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission Conference, Minneapolis, MN Nov. 18–21: LCMS Council of Presidents Meeting, Houston, TX Nov. 20–23: Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) Fall Conference, Houston, TX Nov. 22–24: Kansas District Youth Gathering, Wichita Nov. 26: Children’s and Family Life Ministry Meeting, District Office, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Nov. 27: District Office closes at 2 p.m. for Thanksgiving holiday Nov. 28–29: Thanksgiving holiday; District Office CLOSED
DECEMBER Dec. 2: 2021 District Convention Planning Meeting, District Office, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Dec. 3: District Lead Staff Planning Retreat, Retreat Center in Herington, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Dec. 24–Jan.1: District Office closed for Christmas and New Year’s holidays
Index
November Staff Travel Schedule
Rev. Justin Panzer, District President Nov. 5: Circuit 2 Winkel, Basehor Nov. 12: Circuit 16 Winkel, Meade Nov. 17–24: Council of Presidents, LCMS Foundation, and LCEF Conference, Houston, TX
Rev. Dan Galchutt, Asst. to the President for Missions and Stewardship Nov. 9: “Shepherding the Strays” Workshop, St. Peter, Humboldt Nov. 10: Mission Festival, St. Paul’s, Clarks Creek Nov. 12: Circuit 15 Winkel, Hill City Nov. 21–22: Mission Executives Meeting, Houston, TX Nov. 22–24: LCEF Conference, Houston, TX
Jim Bradshaw, Asst. to the President for Education & Youth Nov. 6: School Visits to Hope, Shawnee Nov. 9–10: Worker Visits, Garden City and Dodge City Nov. 12: Early Childhood Planning, Trinity, Shawnee; Teacher In-Service, St. Paul, Leavenworth Nov. 20: School Visit, Trinity, Atchison Nov. 21–24: Kansas District Youth Gathering, Wichita
Index
Missions and Stewardship
News from West Africa: CLET Students Complete Studies The students pictured to the right, including Foromo LAMA Prospere and Alexis KONDIANO of Guinea (far right), have completed their academic studies at the Lutheran Center for Theological Studies (CLET) in Dapaong, Togo, and have been sent back to their home countries; the majority of them have been cleared for vicarages. In his latest newsletter, missionary Rev. Jacob Gaugert notes, “It has been encouraging to see on social media that several of these students have already received gifts and support from their families and local communities so that they can dedicate their time to service and evangelism in their vicarages.” PLEASE PRAY for good health and happy reunions with families and communities as these students begin their vicarage service. And thank you for supporting this effort!
Index
ON THE ROAD IN OCTOBER
Heading to LEA Kansas District educators boarded a bus in Overland Park the morning of October 10 for a trip to the 2019 Lutheran Education Association (LEA) Convocation in St. Louis.
Narrative Budget Guide Now Available
Looking to try something different with stewardship discussions in your congregation? If so, check out our new Narrative Budget Guide, now available on the Congregational Stewardship page of kslcms.org. With a narrative budget, you tell—or better yet, show—members how their gifts are being used and the difference they’re making, using stories and photos to highlight the connection between mission, ministry, and means in your congregation. The budget then becomes part of a bigger congregational story about your life in Christ, not just a list of line-item figures. The guide includes step-by-step suggestions, Scripture verses on stewardship, and an example of a simple narrative budget. Please feel free borrow any text that might be useful in creating your own guide. (If you need an editable version, contact Kris Bruss, communications specialist, at [email protected].)
Index
Mission Festival in Canton
On October 27, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Canton held a Mission Festival focused on the Eternal Gospel. Rev. Dan Galchutt, Kansas District missions and stewardship executive (in the group photo), served as guest preacher, led a Bible study, and gave a presentation, sharing with the congregation how their partnership with the Kansas District supports church planting, campus ministry, Hispanic ministry and much more. Galchutt also spoke about the Kansas District’s West Africa Partnership in support of mission work in Guinea and West Africa, drawing special attention to the “Phase 2” work of training pastors in Africa through theological education in Togo and Guinea.
Index
Congregational Commitments: Your Gifts at Work
In September, we sent 2020 Congregational Commitment materials to all congregations, asking for prayerful consideration of a commitment in support of our shared work as a District and Synod. If you’re still prayerfully considering, fantastic. The forms aren’t due until December 31 (but if you can submit it by November 30, that would be helpful). We truly appreciate your support for our joint work. We couldn’t do what we do without your help! One good example of “Your Gifts at Work”: Providing mission support for new church plants like Zion, Concordia (right), which held a Reformation service in October. Thanks be to God! You can submit your 2020 commitment form in any of the following ways:
• Email: [email protected] • Mail: LCMS Kansas District,
1000 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604 • Fax: 785-357-5071 • Call Shannon: 785-357-4441, ext. 202
Index
Life Ministry News
District Life Conference in January
Registration is now open for the second annual Kansas District Life Conference, which will be held January 22, 2020, at St. John’s Lutheran Church (901 SW Fillmore St., Topeka). To register, contact Rev. Matthew Durance at [email protected], or call him at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church office, 785-747-2407. (If you’re among the first 50 to register, you’ll get a free “Eyes of Life” hat at the conference.) The event begins with check-in at 9:00 a.m., followed by Matins at 9:30. Speakers will include
the Rev. Timothy Roth of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt, who will address the political phrase “Right to Life.” At 12:45, attendees can participate in the annual March for Life in downtown Topeka, which will provide an opportunity to learn more about the battle to defend life in our own state. Following the March for Life, participants will gather again at St. John’s for Vespers and will discuss strategies for speaking the fullness of the Word of God concerning our lives and “Life” itself. Conference updates will be posted on the Life Ministry page of kslcms.org. “Reverse the Ruling” Petition Drive A petition drive is now underway to “Reverse the Ruling,” specifically, the April 2019 Kansas State Supreme Court ruling in Hodes & Nauser v. Schmidt. In that case, the court, in a 6-1 decision, upheld an injunction that prevented a 2015 state law banning dilation and evacuation (D & E) abortions from taking effect, stating that “Section 1 of the Kansas Constitution Bill of Rights affords protection of the right of personal autonomy,” including the right to decide whether to continue a pregnancy. “The Kansas Supreme Court ruling this past April is greatly distressing,” said Matthew Durance, Kansas District Life Ministry coordinator. “With the ruling, the court has declared that taking the life of another human being is not only legal and permissible, but that it was – and is – a human right guaranteed in the state constitution. This state ruling goes beyond even some federal rulings regarding abortion, with implications that are far-reaching and frankly, terrifying. The fact that this was done without the consent of the people of Kansas is even more troubling.” Concerned citizens are now working to “Reverse the Ruling” through a constitutional amendment. The effort will first require gaining the support of a two-thirds majority in both the Kansas House and Senate for putting an amendment on the ballot. From there, voters will be able to weigh in at the ballot box. WAYS TO HELP 1) Pray that God’s will be done with respect to the ruling. 2) Sign a petition by November 23 at your church, the Kansas District Office, or online on the Kansans for Life website. 3) Contact your legislator at OpenStates.org or call the Kansas Legislative Hotline at 1-800-432-3924. Urge them to support a constitutional amendment reversing the ruling.
Index
Education & Youth
THIS MONTH: Kansas District Youth Gathering
We’re looking forward to seeing all of you who have registered for the 2019 Kansas District Youth Gathering November 22–24 at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. Youth leaders: You can get in the “Priceless” mindset before the event with the pre-Gathering Bible study, now available on the KDYG webpage. (Look for the speech bubble icon near the top of the page.)
If you haven’t registered but would still like to attend, there’s still time. A few notes on registration:
• The late registration fee of $135 is now in effect. • All registrations must be submitted online. Forms for gathering information from participants are available
in the conference packet on the KDYG page. Index
Junior High Rallies Highlights
Two hundred youth and adult leaders gathered at two sites simultaneously in Rexford (West) and Williamsburg (East), on Friday and Saturday, September 27–28, to participate in the annual LCMS Kansas District Junior High Rallies. District Pastors and youth leaders explored the doctrines of sinner/ saint, baptism, grace, and sanctification using the story and life of the Apostle Paul.
Index
2020 Higher Things Conferences
Registration is now open for the 2020 Higher Things Conferences, which will be held next July in four locations: Fort Collins, CO (June 29–July 2); Maryville, MO (July 7–10); Knoxville, TN (July 14–17); and Grand Rapids, MI (July 21–24). Higher Things is a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the LCMS that exists “to assist parents, pastors, and congregations in cultivating a distinctly Lutheran identity among their youth and young adults.”
Index
EAST
“Changed in Christ”
WEST
Caring Ministry
Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) News Donna Williams, District Disaster Response Coordinator
On Saturday, November 2, Kansas LERT members, working with Pastor Jason Boetcher from Trinity Family in Faith and Pastor Robert Weinkauf from Risen Savior Lutheran Church, teamed up with eight LERT chainsaw team members from St. John Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Illinois to help homeowners clean up properties damaged in the EF-4 tornado last spring. Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) highlighted the work on its Facebook site, describing the help provided to a local rancher. “The LERT chainsaw team members cleared a mile of fence line and a pasture of downed trees and debris so a sheep rancher could corral his remaining herd of sheep not lost in the tornado and allow them to roam and graze. He will now be able to re-install a fence before winter to keep them safe from coyotes and other predators. The rancher is very grateful for the assistance of manpower and heavy equipment.” Our deepest thanks to Rick Johnson for continuing to oversee the needs of the Linwood/Basehor Lutheran churches and communities, and to our Kansas LERT chainsaw personnel, Concordia, Missouri LERT chainsaw crew and Lutheran Church Charities (Illinois) chainsaw teams. Their tireless commitment to the cleanup effort has been a tremendous blessing! These are big jobs, but the property owners are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
LERT CALENDAR OF EVENTS
New Event! Teen LERT Lock-in • King of Kings, Gardner, Kansas • January 3–4, 2020 | 9:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. • Registration: $10 per person (includes t-shirt, food and materials); forms will be posted at www.kslcms.org
If you have an established LERT team in your congregation or are part of a regional LERT team, this event is for you. Youth attendance in our initial training events prove that they want to be included. There are special rules and protocol for youth under the age of 18 who wish to work with disaster response. One of these rules is they must arrive on scene with a LERT-certified parent or legal guardian. Also, it’s important for students to be assimilated into established LERT teams within their congregations. For this lock-in, each group of youth must be accompanied by at least one adult (two is ideal). We’re excited to offer this first-ever opportunity for youth who wish to serve their congregations and communities. We want to equip them to succeed and give them the opportunity to be a part of something so vitally important. Please contact Mark Trivilino ([email protected]) if you have questions. LERT Basic Training Event Trinity Lutheran Church, Salina, KS
• January 25, 2020 (details to be announced)
Kansas District LCMS LERT Kansas District Lutheran Early Response Team – Northeast KS
Index
TORNADO CLEANUP IN LINWOOD CONTINUES
Older Adult Ministry Webinars ALOA (EncourAGING & Equipping Congregations for Older Adult Ministry) offers monthly 60-minute seminars on topics related to Older Adult Ministry that are practical and free. Find complete information and register at aloaserves.org/events/webinars/. November 21 Webinar: Nursing Homes: Quality Care & Quality of Life An interview with Alice Hedt, retired Long-term Care Ombudsman for the State of Maryland
Index
Business Office Concordia Plan Services Open Enrollment
Open enrollment for 2020 benefits with Concordia Plan Services is now open! The deadline to enroll for 2020 benefits is Friday, November 15. Workers can enroll in a 403(b) retirement savings plan, supplemental life insurance, and health benefits. Benefit enrollment for workers will continue to take place within their personalized portals at ConcordiaPlans.org. Open enrollment is also a great time to check dependent information and update beneficiaries. Concordia Plan Services also encourages members to log in to their portals regularly to access new and important benefit solutions and to take advantage of useful retirement calculators.
Index
2019 Year-End Checklist/Fiscal Year End Information
The 2019 year-end checklist was mailed with third-quarter congregational statements on October 16. The District will close its 2019 fiscal year on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. Anything received after that date from your congregation will be credited to the 2020 fiscal year.
To meet the standards for a not-for-profit corporation audit, we cannot credit any mission commitments/gifts received in our office after the 2019 fiscal year end is closed; congregations must meet this deadline. If you are sending a 2020 gift prior to January 15, please indicate that it is to be posted to 2020 so that we may credit it correctly for your congregation. The 2019 year-end checklist is also available on the Kansas District website under the Business Office tab in the “Frequently Requested” box.
Index
Lutheran Witness Billings
Billing statements for 2019–2020 Lutheran Witness subscriptions were mailed to all subscribing congregations in October. Payment is due by December 31, 2019. Please include a remittance voucher with payment, noting the check is for Lutheran Witness subscriptions. Make checks payable to the LCMS Kansas District and send to LCMS Kansas District, Attn: Shannon Oldham, 1000 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604-1104.
*No additional additions or cancellations will be taken for this subscription year. You can, however, still make address changes. If you need to update an address on your subscription list, please contact Shannon Oldham at 785-357-4441, ext. 202 or [email protected] for a change form.
Index
LCEF
Note from the District Vice President
Dear Kansas District Members, New rates. New limits. We’ve been listening! We’re pleased to announce several exciting changes that went into effect October 1.
PartnerPLUS (our featured ad this month) is a fixed-rate term note for those who wish to invest even more in the future of the LCMS and its Christ-centered ministries. Earn 2.5% on amounts up to $50,000 for the two-year term note and 3.0% on amounts up to $50,000 for the four-year term note. Available to LCMS individuals, organizations, congregations and Individual Retirement Account investments. Minimum of $500 to get started.
ConnectPLUS is a fixed-rate term note for new LCEF investors who wish to earn a competitive interest rate while investing in the future of the LCMS and its Christ-centered ministries. Amounts up to $50,000 earn a 3% interest rate. It’s now available to congregations and Recognized Service Organizations. Minimum of $500 to get started. Five-Year Fixed-Rate Jumbo Note at 3% is perfect for earning a steady rate of interest for the length of the term. Minimum to invest is $100,000 with no maximum. Available to LCMS individuals, organizations, congregations and Individual Retirement Account investments. Minimum of $500 to get started.
For more information, visit lcef.org. I pray that the Lord will continue to richly bless your work. Blessings,
Jeffrey Maltz [email protected] 785-230-4112 LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF investments are not FDIC-insured bank deposit accounts. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks. The State of Washington has adopted a regulatory position that currently prohibits residents of Washington State from opening a new investment unless they are already an LCEF investor and 18 years or older. PartnerPLUS is available to investors 18 and older. New money only. Rates as of Oct. 2019. Balance restrictions apply. Visit lcef.org for details.
Index
Featured Program: PartnerPlus
Around the District
Installations
ZION, CHANUTE The Rev. Thomas Presley was installed as pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Chanute October 13. From left (front row), Revs. Don Copley, District President Justin Panzer, Presley, Bruce Kristalyn, Jonathan Scheck; (back row) Timothy Roth, Mark Wenzelburger, Ted Cook, Kevin Peterson and Vicar Nathaniel Brown.
LEAD-A-CHILD The Rev. Steven Massey (right) and DCE Lisa Hellyer were installed on Sunday, October 27, 2019, by the Rev. Joel Schultz, senior pastor at Beautiful Savior, Olathe, and James Bradshaw, Kansas District education executive, for Lead-A-Child, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization (RSO). Massey will serve as a Lead-A-Child missionary in Guatemala, while Hellyer begins her work as Lead-a-Child’s director of outreach and engagement.
Workers Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries
At the fall church worker conferences, the District recognized workers who are celebrating milestone anniversaries (calculated from the date of ordination or commissioning, or the date of hire). Those present at the recognition are pictured above. We thank them (and those who were unable to attend) for their faithful service to the Church! Kneeling: Cheryl Voss (15), Roberta Schempp (25), Joshua Grass (5), Chris Francik (20) Standing: Miriam Murray (20), Harmon Butler (5), Katrina Celmer (10), David Beikmann (20), Rev. Bruce Kristalyn (30), Rev. Joel Hiesterman (40), Jessie Uffman (15), Rev. Jason Toombs (5), Rev. David Gruoner (40), Rev. Luke Brown (10), Sara Grein (15), Rev. Don Haselhuhn (25), Angie Achong (10), Rev. Gary Wolf (35), Cynthia Lavrenz (20), Rev. Ed Mease (35), Jane Limback (35), Rev. Dan Galchutt (15), Heather McCormick (5), Rev. Andy Keltner (35) and Tammy Lampe (25).
Index
Scholarship Opportunity at Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine values the formation of future leaders for our church. The university is pleased to announce that, for the 2020-2021 school year, they’re offering qualified LCMS church work students a guaranteed total of $22,000 per year in institutional aid and an on-campus full housing grant. To learn more about the church vocations scholarship, who is qualified, and additional application requirements for church work programs, go to cui.edu/churchworkscholarship.
Index
U.S. Census Jobs Available
The Census Office has requested help in spreading the word about the 2020 Census. This fall, they’re focusing on job recruiting. If you know of someone who could use some extra income, let them know about opportunities with Census 2020. Field and office positions available include clerks, supervisory clerks, listers, enumerators, and first-line supervisors. To learn more, visit 2020census.gov/jobs.
Index
Quilts from Kansas
More than 250 people will have a quilt of their own, thanks to two recent LWML projects in Kansas. ABOVE RIGHT: LWML members of St. John Lutheran Church in Alma, Kansas, were blessed to dedicate 222 quilts and 215 school kits to be donated to Lutheran World Relief. The quilts were completed using donated fabric and Thrivent Action Team dollars. As the members constructed the quilts, they prayed for the individuals who will be receiving them all over the world. ABOVE LEFT: Lu Nutter, Ruth Ann Dick, Arlene McKee, Peggy Martens, and Sandy Bachofen of Grace Lutheran Church, McPherson, worked with four others (Helen Schmidt, Charlene Rupp, Diane Otte and Norma Snell) to complete 40 baby blankets for Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, which serves federally recognized Tribes in southwest Alaska. “Many mothers coming to the hospital for delivery have nothing or bring nothing with them for the baby, so the hospital gives those new babies a blanket to take home,” said Martens. As in Alma, the Grace LWML group completed its work with the help of donations and Thrivent action team grants.
Index
District Office Directory
President’s Office • Rev. Justin Panzer, President: [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 200 • Tami Lierz, Administrative Assistant: [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 200
Missions & Stewardship • Rev. Dan Galchutt, Assistant to the President for Missions & Stewardship: [email protected],
785-357-4441, ext. 222 • Janet Powell, Administrative Assistant (Missions): [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 223 • Shannon Oldham, Administrative Assistant (Stewardship): [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 202
Education & Youth • Jim Bradshaw, Assistant to the President for Educational Services: [email protected], 785-357-4441,
ext. 200 • Tami Lierz, Administrative Assistant (calls; rosters/stats; events): [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 200 • Janet Powell, Administrative Assistant (general school support): [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 223
Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) • Jeff Maltz, LCEF Vice President, Kansas/Oklahoma: [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 118
Business Office • Heather Williams, Business Manager: [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 204 • Shannon Oldham, Administrative Assistant: [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 202
Communications • Kris Bruss, Communications Specialist, [email protected], 785-357-4441, ext. 322
Mission Development Counselor • Rev. Dr. Brent Smith, Mission Central, [email protected], 703-713-2851
Retreat Center Reservations • Rev. Mark and Kristi Lovett: [email protected], 785-380-8291
District Archives • Mike Grau: [email protected]
